This year has been a big one for Baw Baw’s towns. Major governance changes have taken place with the impacts yet to be seen, major projects have started and finished and community groups have celebrated successes. Here are just some of the stories from the year, ordered by when WBBC published them. You can find stories in full by clicking the linked text.

12: Headspace shake-up as federal changes end GML assistance: WBBC broke the story the Warragul branch of youth mental health service headspace was looking for a new lead agency and would lose its receptionist. Staff also expressed concerns about the renaming of the local branch to headspace Morwell from headspace Central West Gippsland.

30:Trafalgar Holden Museum celebrates first birthday after very successful year. Big plans for expansion are now on the cards.

November

13: Councillors approve a significant redevelopment plan for the West Gippsland Arts Centre, but funding remains uncertain. The redevelopment will see the seating capacity of the centre’s theatre increased from the present 480 seats to 750, a new foyer to the south side of the auditorium and other new foyers to access the rear stalls and balcony, and the reorientation of the entrance to better connect with neighbouring Civic Park.

13: After months of consultation with the shire and community the Victorian Electoral Commission handed down its recommended ward structure for Baw Baw, with the size of the proposed East ward frustrating some councillors.